Phlegm (?), n. [F. phlegme, flegme, L.
phlegma, fr. Gr. &?; a flame, inflammation, phlegm, a morbid, clammy humor in the
body, fr. &?; to burn. Cf. Phlox, Flagrant, Flame,
Bleak, a., and
Fluminate.]
1. One of the four
humors of which the ancients supposed the blood to be composed. See Humor. Arbuthnot.
2. (Physiol.) Viscid
mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory and digestive passages.
3.
(Old Chem.) A watery distilled liquor, in distinction from a spirituous liquor.
Crabb.
4. Sluggishness of temperament; dullness; want of interest; indifference; coldness.
They judge with fury, but they write with phlegm.
Pope.
Hear it pronounced